Scientists at the American Dental Association’s Paffenbarger Research Center, a joint research program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), have shown that nanotechnology has the potential to produce tooth restorations that are both stronger than any decay-fighting fillings available today, and more effective at preventing secondary decay.A spray drying technique has been devised that yields particles of several compounds, one of which is DCPA, that are about 50 nanometers across. They therefore have a much higher surface to volume ratio and are more effective at releasing ions, meaning much less of the material is required to produce the same effect.
With a potential visit to the dentist coming up all too fast, anything which could lead to less drilling in the future, has got to be a winner in my book!
John | 03-Jul-07 at 3:32 pm | Permalink
This is a very nice post, and I want to see how others react to this.
Carol Clark | 13-Jul-07 at 12:15 pm | Permalink
John, thanks for the comment. Have since visited the dentist and I think I could definitely use something like this, especially if it is cheaper and more effective than what’s currently on offer.